What is that? Those were the words that I was asked by adorable Joel when he picked up a usb drive, looked at it, then handed it to me.

Let's backtrack-I have the joy of being with Erica, and her two children, Noemi and Joel each year, and this year was no different. This year, Erica chose to print small prints for herself and to hang up around her Christmas tree, as we used a beautiful Christmas backdrop for her session at our Oswego, IL studio. I gifted her small resolution files so she could share them on social media and with her family.

Since I deliver each order to my client's homes, not only do I get to see the joy and elation on the children's faces when they see themselves on the artwork, but it saves my client's time and is so much more convenient!

When the box of beautiful prints was opened, Noemi and Joel began their happy dances of joy. "That's Noemi!" "That's me!" they exclaimed.

I laughed a little inside. Not at him, by any means, but just a small affirmation of what I believe is true. First, that having beautiful art in your home that you can love now and pass down to your family is priceless. And, second, that the studies that show that children who grow up with beautiful portraits of themselves on the walls in their home feel as if they have a place in the world, and have a better sense of belonging.

Joel just showed me that seeing himself brings him joy. Seeing a usb drive with digital images inside gave me an expressionless face. No comprehension. Even after I tried explaining what it is.

This small exchange was proof that having timeless art in your home-whether that is in the form of a classic canvas, framed portraiture, or modern metal, is so valuable and priceless. Just ask your children.

And, in the meantime, enjoy the precious images of the beautiful Arteaga family.

To schedule your session in our Oswego studio, just click on the link below. We serve the greater Chicago area including Yorkville, IL, Aurora, IL, and Plainfield, IL.